PixlBit

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is yet another quiz show turned video game, designed for multiplayer casual gaming environments. While the single player is challenging and the multiplayer supports up-to-four people, the bland nature of the game doesn't make for a compelling experience, even with a group of friends.

The game has two modes, Single player and four player multiplayer. The single player quest follows typical Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? convention, as players are asked a set of questions, one at a time in increasing difficulty. All questions are answered by selecting the correct answer from a possible set of four. For the first tier questions players are only given fifteen seconds to select an answer; however, as the difficulty increases players are awarded more time to think over their selections. Before the time limit is up, players must choose from answers A, B, C, or D and confirm whether or not it is their final answer. If players guess it correctly they continue onward, if not, the round is over and a new game must be started. As usual, players have the three typical lifelines: Phone-A-Friend, Fifty-Fifty, and Ask the Audience.

Considering the game show itself is quite basic, there is little more to be expected from its video game counterpart. For fans of the show, the game's presentation will be familiar, as it contains the familiar Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? tunes and sound effects, and replicates the hot-seat view in the classic blue, grey, and white color scheme. The questions themselves are all well-balanced within their difficulty tiers, and should certainly get the average person's brain working.

Each time players tackle the single player quest, they make progress towards earning in-game achievements, separated into several categories, such as checkpoints for earning a particular amount of money. As players unlock these achievements they earn new clothing and accessory items to dress up their characters. Though the addition of achievements serves to create a deeper experience, the type of gamer who will likely purchase this title will undoubtedly overlook them or be uninterested in the concept.

Up-to-four players can compete in the game's multiplayer mode, which is set up much the same way as the single player, with a few exceptions. Players will be asked the full set of questions in a row, and each is represented on screen in the same manner as single player. In order to answer, players will push a direction on the D-Pad corresponding to one of the four answers on screen. After each player has made their selection everyone's answers will be displayed on screen and the correct choice will be revealed.

Upon answering a question correctly players will climb the question tree. Unlike single player mode, those that answer a question wrong aren't eliminated, but rather are dropped down one winnings tier. Once players reach a checkpoint on the winnings tier, they can no longer fall beyond that point. Regardless of where a player is on the winnings tier, all four players will always receive the same question, which becomes more difficult over time. At the end of the question set, whoever has climbed the highest on the winnings tier is the winner.

Though well done, the problem with multiplayer in Who Wants to Be A Millionaire is the lack of interaction. With players competing against one another to answer trivia questions the mood of the room is sure to be a dull and quiet one. Despite succeeding at being an accurate representation of the TV show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? isn't conducive to a party setting, which is likely why the target audience will be purchasing a title such as this.

As previously stated, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a decent representation of the TV show. There is little added to spice up the formula, but for a game show that is itself relatively black and white, this is understandable. Only those seeking to take on the game by themselves should look into purchasing this title, as those who want a fun multiplayer experience to share with their friends aren't going to find much to enjoy here.